Recent News

Baltimore City Officials Release Standards for Treating Overdose and Opioid Use in Hospital Settings

Jul 10th, 2018

BALTIMORE (July 5, 2018) - Today, the Baltimore City Health Department released the finalized standards of the Levels of Care for Baltimore City Hospitals Responding to the Opioid Epidemic. 

Trump's family planning dystopia (Baltimore Sun)

Jul 6th, 2018

In her op-ed, Dr. Leana Wen warns of the implications of the proposed "gag rule" - including undermining patients’ rights & violating core values of the healing professions.

"Imagine a world in which we deprive patients seeking help for diabetes of access to treatment, such that the only patients who can access care are those with health insurance from their employers or are wealthy enough to pay out-of-pocket. Imagine that even when patients decide on a course of action best suited for them, clinicians knowingly withhold evidence-based treatment. Reproductive health is a critical part of every woman’s health care. Standard medical care should be based on science, not ideology. The fundamental right to health cannot be a privilege reserved only for those who can afford it."

Read the entire op-ed.

Leana Wen

Note From the Commissioner: Fighting for the Health of Our Residents

Jul 6th, 2018

In July 2017, the Baltimore City Health Department received notice that our five-year grantfrom the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for teen pregnancy prevention would be cut two years short. This was a $3.5 million reduction that would eliminate evidence-based, science-based reproductive health education curriculum for 20,000 middle and high-school students. Despite many requests, we received no explanation for the grant termination.

Leana Wen

Healthwatch with Dr. Leana Wen: Border Children, Title X Grants, CARE Act (WYPR)

Jul 5th, 2018

In this edition of Midday Healthwatch, Dr. Leana Wen covers the potential impact of Maryland’s primary election results on health policies in Baltimore; proposed regulation changes involving Title X and the potential impact on women's health; the CARE Act and national opioid legislation; and the Health Department’s Hospital Levels of Care initiative and other opioid-related efforts in the City.

Listen here.

Dealing with more bug bites than usual? Mosquitos are at 3 times their normal number in Maryland this summer. (Baltimore Sun)

Jul 5th, 2018

First came the rains. Now come the mosquitoes.

Populations of the itch-inducing insects have multiplied across Maryland — in many areas up to three times their normal early summer numbers — because of recent storms and flooding that have given them an abundance of water to breed in

Read the entire story.

Leana Wen

Mosquitoes are at three times their normal number in Maryland this summer (Washington Post)

Jul 5th, 2018

First came the rains. Now come the mosquitoes.

Populations of the itch-inducing insects have multiplied across Maryland — in many areas up to three times their normal early summer numbers — because of recent storms and flooding that have given them an abundance of water to breed in.

Read the entire story.

Leana Wen

Heat Advisories in effect for the Baltimore Metro Region (WEAA)

Jul 3rd, 2018

A Code Red Extreme Heat Alert will be in effect in Baltimore today. Dr. Leana Wen talks with WEAA’s Julius White about  tips to stay safe in beating the heat as well as food safety tips for your 4th of July Holiday picnics. 

Listen to the interview.

Leana Wen

Code Red Extreme Heat Alert issued for Baltimore (WBAL)

Jul 3rd, 2018

The Baltimore City Health Department has declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Tuesday. It is the first Code Red of the 2018 season.

"Hundreds of people die every year from heat-related illness," Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said. "Heat is a silent killer and a threat to the health of everyone in our city, particularly the young, the elderly and those with chronic diseases. In weather like this, it’s important for everyone to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration."

Read the entire story.

Leana Wen

Code Red In Baltimore: Heat Closes Lexington Market (Patch)

Jul 2nd, 2018

Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 90s in Baltimore and feel like up to 107 degrees on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

The heat prompted a code red declaration from Baltimore City Health Commissioner Leana Wen through Tuesday, July 3.

Read the entire story.

Leana Wen

Heat advisory continues in Baltimore area, as temperatures surge and cooling centers stay packed (Baltimore Sun)

Jul 2nd, 2018

Chilled water bottles were in high demand Monday morning at the Northern Community Action Partnership Center. 

The building on York Road was doubling as a cooling center for neighbors seeking a reprieve from Monday’s oppressive heat. While most people there were clients waiting to see caseworkers about housing, energy assistance and other needs, others visited strictly to keep cool.

Read the entire story.

Leana Wen

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